One of many churches in Trnava. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
Odd religious practices in the state-run children’s home in Trnava, western Slovakia, have been put to an end following an intervention by the General Prosecutor’s Office.
The private television channel Markíza broke the story after the facility’s employees and foster families decided to speak out about the strict ‘Spiritual Programme’.
The routine is understood to have been imposed on children and employees by the director of the Trnava Centre for Children and Families, Martina Krchňáková.
Children had to pray and go to church several times a day under threat of punishment. In addition, they allegedly had to complete a difficult pilgrimage to Medjugorje, a Bosnian pilgrimage site where children from the age of 6 allegedly walked barefoot on rocks in the heat. They were not allowed to watch the Harry Potter films, employees and families also told the television channel.
Employees were told to sprinkle the premises of the children’s home with holy water.
Child sent to alleged exorcist
Children’s homes are encouraged to create an environment in which children can practise their faith.
“However, the authoritative forcing of children’s participation in the ‘Spiritual Programme’ is not the way,” said the General Prosecutor’s Office, adding that the programme inadmissibly interfered with freedom of religious belief and faith.
The programme was cancelled on August 1 with immediate effect.
The Trnava police are investigating the case as well. The criminal complaint was filed by an employee after a child told the director that a ghost inside them made them do bad things. The director then sent the child to the alleged exorcist, TV Markíza reported.
According to the TASR news agency, the programme was suspended in early July following an inspection by the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family.
“The director of the Centre for Children and Families terminated her employment relationship by agreement,” the Office also noted.
